Page 22 of A Raven Reformed

“Will they be upset that I’m in here?”

“Perhaps a little surprised,” came a deep voice from the balcony above, “but not upset.” Belle nearly jumped out of her own skin. Where had he come from?

“Are you trying to scare the daylights out of her, Ash?” Michael asked. A soft chuckle followed Ash as he disappeared from the balcony.

Patrick and Ash both entered through the black curtain. Belle pushed herself more firmly against Michael’s side.

“Don’t worry, Belle. What you need to know about these two is that they may look intimidating, but if for any reason, you ever need it, they will protect you, without question.”

“Damn right we will,” Patrick said, cracking his knuckles. “Even if it’s from this beast.” He pointed at Michael.

Belle laughed quietly.

“You think he’s joking, but he gave me a stern warning before I went into my own townhouse last night, and so did his wife, for that matter.”

“That’s my Rosie,” Patrick said with pride.

“Since I have not formally had the pleasure of meeting you, Lady Dalinridge,”—the other man took a step toward her—“I’m Ash.” Michael had said he was safe, but he unnerved her, all the same. Large and dark, dressed in black from head to toe, and eyes that seemed like they could see her very thoughts.

Belle placed her hand in his and he brushed his lips over her knuckles.

“Please, call me Belle.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Belle.”

“Thank you both for being so kind and understanding. I didn’t mean to create such a stir yesterday.”

“Perhaps it was the only way we were ever going to meet you.” There was a hint of teasing in Ash’s dark eyes. “Michael has been keeping you hidden.”

“Now,” he said, turning to Michael, “are you sticking around for our meeting?”

“Only if there’s something really important. Otherwise, we have a train to catch.”

“Nothing pressing.”

“Good. We’ll be on our way then, gentlemen.” Michael gave them both a nod and escorted her out of the club.

ChapterSeven

Two weeks later, Michael was surrounded by his friends in his ballroom. The time leading up to this house party had passed in a flurry of chaos. Michael had hardly had any alone time with his wife, other than a handful of stolen kisses, which had been wonderful, but not nearly enough. He thought he would have had her in his bed by now, but they’d both just been too busy. She had thrown herself into planning the house party. Mrs. Thistle seemed to relish teaching the new lady of the house everything that went into planning such an event, and Belle happily ran herself ragged trying to keep up.

There was estate business to see to, as well. For years he’d spent the vast majority of his time in Raven Row, leaving the running of Glenwood to his manager. Since Belle needed to be introduced to all of the tenants, this was his opportunity to visit them and make sure Anson was doing his job properly. Not surprisingly, the new Lady Dalinridge had charmed every one of them. She was so exhausted that she didn’t even argue when he sent her to bed with only a brief kiss each night.

Hopefully, things would finally settle down. The guests had arrived that morning. It wasn’t an overly large group. The lords from the three neighboring estates and their wives, his friend, cousin, and current heir, Giles Henderson, Patrick’s marquess brother, Lord Epworth and his wife, Patrick and Rosie, and Ash, who had even closed the club for a few days in order to attend. It meant a lot to Michael. This was not the sort of thing that Ash typically enjoyed. It was especially surprising to see him dancing with Belle.

It was a casual sort of ball, allowing them all to mingle and to give everyone ample opportunity to get to know his new wife. Pride glowed within him every time he saw her. Michael was talking with Lord Bexley about some problems with the canal that ran between their two properties.

“Anson informed me of the maintenance it is in need of. I’ll send someone to see to it next week so that any repairs can be completed before the problem gets worse.”

Before the other man could respond, Belle’s arm snaked around Michael’s waist.

“Lady Dalinridge,” Bexley greeted with a nod.

Belle completely ignored him and whispered loudly into Michael’s ear, “I’m ready for bed, husband.”

The man didn’t seem to take offense. “Ah, how it is to be newly wed.”

Embarrassment was not something Michael was used to feeling, and he didn’t like it. “Excuse us, please.” Bexley gave him a knowing look as he grasped Belle by the elbow.

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